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William’s glare faded at the truth of Richard’s words. “Forgive me. I cannot help but dwell on Elizabeth—what she must be thinking at this moment. Does she wonder why I was away so long? Perhaps she feels abandoned. And it worries me that she may not be in Liverpool as Lady Waltham directed us. Perhaps it was a ruse to keep us busy whilst they go in another direction entirely.”

“Nonsense! Lady Waltham is not brave enough to cross you and my father. She told the truth—I would wager my life on it!”

“It is not your life that is being wagered,” William said sombrely, turning to the window to hide the sting of his words.

Mr. Williamson interrupted. “It has been my experience, as a servant of God, that positive thoughts bring positive results. Let us take some time to be silent—to pray and reflect on how lovely the reunion with Lizzybet will be. We shall find her, and we shall take her home. Do not allow yourself to think any differently.”

William smiled wanly, nodding silently. The vicar was right. Thus, closing his eyes, in a short while he was reliving the last time he had held Elizabeth in his arms at Pemberley and dreaming of their reunion.

Be brave, my love. You will be back in my arms again before long.

Left to his daydreams, William was entirely unconscious of the fact that the vicar and Richard were witnesses of that very moment when Elizabeth walked across his memory. As the face that had scowled for the last two days took on a look of utter happiness, they were astounded. And sensing that they were intruding on a private moment, they each turned to stare out the nearest window.

In another coach

On the road to Liverpool

Wickham gazed out the window with great indifference, watching the changing landscape as Stefano’s voice droned in the background. Any prospect was preferable to looking into the face of that braggart—although there was no way to avoid listening to his self-important discourse.

From the way Stefano boasts, one would think he had done all the work of finding his wife’s hiding place! And if my plan works, we will be pulling off a grand coup, absconding with this woman right from underneath Darcy’s nose!

Praying that today passed more quickly than had the last two, he took comfort in knowing that he had only one more night to endure the torture of being cooped up in a room with Stefano before they reached Liverpool. He could not wait to rid himself of the company.

If we do not make Liverpool soon, I shall strangle him with my bare hands just to have some peace and quiet.

Meanwhile, Stefano continued to natter. “As soon as we arrive in Liverpool, I shall send my men to escort the women to the villa.”

Wickham looked surprised. “My associate does not know your people, and she will not willingly go with them. I told her that I would meet with her when I arrived. Would it not be preferable for me to convince them that they should await the next ship in a comfortable villa, instead of a sparse room? After all, it would look suspicious to take two women out of the inn against their will.”

The count seemed to be considering Wickham’s argument. “I suppose it would be simpler, and my Elizabeth would be less wary. She is very intelligent; nothing escapes her notice.” He stared out the window for a moment before continuing.

“In this instance, I shall defer to you, Wickham. Once we arrive in Liverpool, I shall have my men drive you to the inn. They shall pose as a postilion, driver and footman. You shall convince the women to come to the villa and after they are inside, there will be nothing Elizabeth can do to escape. She shall be mine once again!”

“And I shall have my reward and be on my way!”

Smiling knowingly, the count replied, “Yes, indeed. I imagine you shall be on your way in a short while!”

Wickham had begun lately to taunt the count with references to Darcy and Elizabeth—sweet revenge for the reprimands he had experienced at the madman’s hands. Now that they were so close to concluding their collaboration, he could not resist another barb. “I intend to head to America on the next ship. Darcy will be so focused on recovering his lady love that he shall not think of me for quite some time, I imagine.”

The count’s voice rose in anger. “Must I remind you that Elizabeth is not his ‘lady love?’ She is my wife!”

“I should not have used that term. I do not suppose they were actually making love the entire time she lived at Pemberley.”

Wickham’s heart swelled with enjoyment to see the count’s face turn bright red. “Do not EVER say such a thing in my presence again, Wickham, or you shall find yourself at the end of my sword. Do we understand each other?”

Wickham instantly wiped the smile from his face, though inside he laughed. “I am sorry. It will not happen again.”

As if I would actually be so foolish as to duel with you! A pistol would finish you off quite nicely.

Just then, the last inn they were to occupy came into view, and the coach began to slow and then came to a stop. As he stepped out of the coach and approached the ordinary country inn, Stefano’s thoughts once again flew to Elizabeth. There was no way his wife could have been interested in another man. Of that, he was certain. Straightening to his full height, he entered the establishment his head held high.

You will be back in my arms again before long, my darling wife.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 35

Rosewood Manor